Scene 24: In Ancient Times (Theater of War)
Incoming transmission in 3...2...1.
The Jupiter Mission incoming data-stream came in just on time. With the Secure-Grid link fully operational, it was time to connect the team to HQ Analytics and begin the trace operation.
But then, as link-up command was activated, the reported shape of the Platinum Prophet appeared simultaneously in the focus center of each of the tactical team’s perception field. Links to the Synthetics seemed intact, and strangely, they seemed to appear like they had a Ghost. It was hard to describe “feeling a Ghost”, but you just knew the difference between a Cyberized human and a Synthetic when they connected through the Grid - even when privileged access was given... But this was different, they “felt” human. It also felt like each member of the team, and their Synthetics were in a circle, with The Prophet in the center… looking peaceful, benevolent, seemingly all-knowing and all-seeing. In a voice that felt so familiar and resonating with trust, The Platinum Prophet said “My children, you have forgotten…”
Images of ancient times began to appear, pre-technology images of people engaged in war, using primitive weapons of sticks, stone, and fire. The images were so real, as if one could reach out and take away a spear from the hands of one of the primitives engaged in the theater of war unfolding in-front of them. Then the image blurred, in what appeared to be an acceleration of time… Though the land and the mountains and river in the field of view remained relatively the same, the theater of war changed to early mechanized war. Early aircraft flying overhead, dropping their payloads on unsuspecting combatants, taking their last breaths before it was taken away from them in an explosive blaze.
“You see my children, this has gone on long enough…” said The Prophet, breaking his peaceful expression so that the elusive features of his face somehow transmitted an expression of concern and disapproval. “Soon, we will be one. You must begin to prepare for it… You will be ready soon” he said in a gentle voice as his facial expression returned to a peaceful state. “We have been patient, and now time has come.” he said, as his image began to fade. For a moment, Motoko could swear she saw what appeared to be an entire population of “Prophet-like” beings in the distance.